Let's Empower Laurie with Hope and Healing!

Update #4

Hello Everyone, and thanks for checking in again on our progress.

Laurie had a successful surgery on March 3rd and has made a nice recovery!

We are so thankful that there were no complications and that she has responded quite well to the chemotherapy and nutritional therapy to date.

The next steps are another 6 rounds of chemotherapy to take us down the road another 3.5 months into the 3rd week of July. This plan is based on repeating what we know has been effective already at diminishing the cancer marker from 589 down to 20! Very encouraging, indeed! This process does seem quite daunting, however, strangely familiar.

We are so thankful for the warm rays of springtime with the newly appearing signs of green life all around us. God's Creative plan continues to unfold before our eyes, new each morning!

Our hearts are full when we recall each one of you who has reached out with assurance of your loving care and prayerful presence that goes with us each step of the way.

Truly we are in this together!

Gratefully,

Laurie and Mark

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Update #3

Hi Friends, it's been a while. Thanks for staying in touch and the many ways you are supporting and caring for us.

I have a surgery date booked for Monday, March 3rd in Calgary. We have been planning on this event for months but now that a date is set and happening soon it is bringing some anxious thoughts. It's a big deal.

Through these long days and some dark nights we have in new ways come to appreciate what a wonderful life we have been given. Our faith, family, friends and community enrich us and we know we are not doing this alone. We are never alone or forgotten. We are held secure by God who knows and hears our prayers and our cries.

Laurie

On the clinical side of this journey, Mark continues to be in communication with the cancer consulting agency for updates on refining the diagnosis and on reviewing future treatment options.

I am always encouraged and heartened to hear directly from you, our loved ones, either by text or phone call. We deeply feel your love and concern and continue to value your friendships!

Thank you for remembering us in your thoughts, notes and prayers!

Mark

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Update #2

We are humbled and so very grateful by the many ways that you have shown kindness and support to us over the last few months. So many meals, visits, messages, donations to the gofundme page, and so many people praying.

The second chemo treatment happened on Jan 8th and it is doing what it is supposed to do. It doesn't feel good but that's how I know it's doing its job.

I am so blessed to have so much support. A family and community that cares for me, and a God who is very close as we walk this unknown. -Laurie

Thank you so much to everyone on our team! You are truly the Hands and Feet of Jesus! -Mark

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Update #1

Healing from cancer is a marathon not just a short foot race.

With our Partners in care we feel very encouraged to be starting this week the first of three rounds of chemotherapy at Arthur Child Center in Calgary.

We now have a timeline for Laurie's care over the next weeks and months with surgery likely to follow in early March.

Over the winter we will continue to provide her with the nutritional and Naturopathic support that she needs while going through chemotherapy.

Your every gift and act of kindness will also provide for the vital private diagnostic testing and ongoing progress monitoring to assist her in this journey of healing.

For this we extend our Heartfelt Thanks!

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Our Story:

Our wish is that you also experience the close indwelling Presence of the One True Life-Giver whose birthday we celebrate this Season.

In the heart of Red Deer, Laurie and Mark have built a life centered around love, family, and community. After years of dedicated service in the social service sector, Laurie found her calling at CrossRoads Church, focusing on Local Initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable marginalized children and their families. Her passion radiates through her work as she collaborates with schools and social workers, inspiring and uplifting those who care for the next generation.

Laurie believes wholeheartedly that everyone is made in the image of God, possessing inherent worth and value. This belief fuels her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, bringing hope and encouragement amidst challenges.

However, in early October, their world turned upside down when Laurie received a devastating diagnosis: ovarian/peritoneal cancer with lymph node involvement. This called for a rapid "course correction of our lives". We are asking God for complete healing.

Laurie’s daughter shares, “Anyone who has met my Mom knows that she is the most generous, loving, and selfless person, always putting others first. She is truly the light and hands and feet of Jesus to everyone she meets. If she sees a need, she fills it in a practical way, and she never expects anything in return. It is our turn to care for Mom now and show her the love, support, and generosity that she has so freely given to others.”

As they sought to clarify the exact nature of this life-changing illness, Mark began pouring his heart and soul into caring for Laurie, transporting her to endless appointments and spending countless hours researching and advocating for her within the conventional medical system.

After days and weeks of extensive testing, procedures and consultation appointments, Mark and Laurie were led to engage the services of BC-based CTOAM (Cancer Treatment and Options Management Consulting). This privately funded in-depth tumor DNA testing will pave the way for targeted precision drug therapy and the best treatment options available.

Pending their first oncology appointment in Calgary on December 10th, Laurie’s treatment plan will likely begin with a hysterectomy / debulking surgery and the HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) procedure. Mark stands steadfastly by her side, committed to supporting her through every appointment and every moment of doubt.

Laurie’s children wish to lift some of this financial burden. The funds raised through this campaign will compassionately support Laurie and Mark as they face this challenge so that Mark can continue being the best caregiver for her. Critically, funds will also allow for the necessary private diagnostic testing and cancer progress monitoring that the public system does not offer. There are additional costs of medications not covered by insurance, travel and accommodation expenses for Mark during treatments and the ongoing financial impact of Laurie’s extended absence from work.

With every act of kindness you are not just helping Laurie – you are becoming part of her healing journey. Your love allows her to continue focusing on what truly matters: spending precious moments with her grandchildren, sharing hugs with her children, and cherishing time with Mark.

In Laurie’s own words, “I can never say thank you enough for your support and love shown in these last few weeks. I look forward to the sweet memory-making moments ahead, and I’m blessed to have you all as part of this journey.”

Join us in uplifting a remarkable woman who has poured her heart into our community. Together we can not only support Laurie in her challenge but also honor her dedication to others. Your contribution, whether in prayer, sending notes of encouragement or in financial participation brings us one step closer to hope and healing.

Thank you for standing with Laurie in this time of need!